Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise
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Enjoy a day of Alpine adventure in Switzerland on this half-day, summer trip to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne. Begin your journey toward the skies with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg, and then hop aboard the aerial cableway for your ascent to the summit of Mt Pilatus. Relax at your leisure on the peak or take a short hike to make the most of the stunning scenery below. Descend to Alpnachstad aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train and cruise out onto Lake Lucerne to admire the views from the water.
Your experience
Stop 1
Meet your guide in central Lucerne in the early afternoon.
Stop 2
Hop aboard your comfortable coach for the short journey to Kriens, at the foot of the imposing Mt Pilatus. On arrival, begin your ascent to the mountain’s lofty summit with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to the Fräkmüntegg terminus. Enjoy beautiful views over the rolling hills and lush pine forests below. At Fräkmüntegg, hop aboard the aerial tramway — a spacious and modern cabin with panoramic windows designed to give the feeling of flight. Continue your climb to the summit at a dizzying altitude of 7,000 feet, and take in spectacular views over the Alpine peaks and lakes from your vantage point on the mountain. During your free time atop Mt Pilatus, perhaps sit down to a high-altitude lunch among the peaks (own expense) or relax on the expansive sun terrace. Venture down the Dragon's Path and take a short hike around the summit to enjoy the amazing views.
Stop 3
Take the world's steepest cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, descending past trickling mountain streams and sheer rock faces toward the verdant, green meadows below.
Stop 4
Conclude your tour with a picturesque 1-hour boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne and enjoy the spectacular scenery from an entirely different angle.
Stop 5
At the end of the cruise, your tour ends back in Lucerne.
What’s included
- Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" (except from 19 October to 27 November 2026)
- Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (valid only from 19 October to 29 November 2026)
- Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world
- Fully guided tour in English by a professional guide
- Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
- Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
- 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (until 18 October 2026)
Not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks (available for purchase at Mount Pilatus summit)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Meeting and pickup
Please wait there on the sidewalk. Your tour guide will be holding a red flag with “Best of Switzerland Tours” on it.
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- From 19 October to 27 November 2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train. The boat cruise is not available, but a lunch voucher is included.
- From 28 to 29 November 2026: Ascent by cable car and descent by cogwheel train. The boat cruise is not available, but a lunch voucher is included.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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